~ Giving you the latest news in R&B and hip hop.

Inside The Industry

Rising Miami based singer/songwriter Calica recently broke through with the boldly-titled singer “Bitch.” A sassy, uptempo breakup number, the song showcases the singer’s smooth vocals as she expresses her complicated layers of emotion. Centering around an xylophone accompaniment with layered vocals, the singer gives fans a light-hearted track drowning in pop glory. With a retro VHS filter and puppy cameos, Calica produced a buoyant accompanying visual that delivers an encouraging message of self-empowerment. The singer cleverly crafted a song/visual that polarizes the term “Bitch” ensuring that she will become a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. “Bitch” is the follow up to Calica’s previous single “Give & Take.” Both singles will appear on her debut album “Yes, It’s About You.” “Bitch” is now available via all major streaming platforms. Singer/actress Teyana Taylor gives the fairytale Cinderella a modern twist in the visual for her new single, “WTP”, taken from her latest album “K.T.S.E.” Directed by Mrs. Shumpert herself, and taking a reality show approach, Taylor stars as the iconic protagonist as she seeks to take the stage during the plot’s Ballroom dance show. Like the classic tale, Taylor is ignored and discouraged by unappreciative siblings from participating in the ball with ignorant comments. Taylor is assisted by her “Fairy Cut Mutha” and given an opportunity to shine on the dancefloor where she’s adored by her prince (played by husband Iman Shumpert). In addition to Shumpert, the clip also features film director Lena White, Love & Hip Hop alum Milan Christopher and model Shaun Ross. Earlier this year, singer/songwriter/producer Daron Jones released the uptempo number “Say Sum.” Now, he returns with the grown and sexy gem “Summertime.” On the smooth, sensual track, Jones croons about the beauty of summertime, which includes intimacy and riding with the top down. Jones is preparing the album “Human’, due out on February 14, 2019. For those unaware, Jones is also a member of the R&B quartet 112. Recently, the members of the group began solo projects. At the moment, the group’s future is unclear. Rappers 21 Savage and J. Cole just released the music video for their single “A Lot.” The Aisultan Seitov directed clip begins with 21 and Cole exchanging bars at their family’s luxe black tie affair inside a lavish mansion. Some of the individuals who show black excellence are also used in a different light when the scene pivots to some harrowing life situations that they have had to persevere through at one point. An elderly gentlemen goes from a smile to having major health concerns with tubes hooked up to his nose in what appears to be a hospital bed. Another father is faced with the horror of having to bury his son, who was murdered in cold blood, while a mother suffers from the distress of having to visit her child in prison. Other themes in the video include addiction, drug trafficking and domestic violence.